CINDY LESTER and CHRISTINA RUDE | Enjoy Theater in the Woods!

The weather is nice and warm (OK, maybe too warm). The rain clouds are temporarily at bay. Now is the right time to hike on out to the Kitsap Forest Theater.

What began as a “Rhododendron Preserve” now is “one of the oldest, continuously operating community theater groups in the country, performing in the one of the oldest outdoor theaters in North America.” Set amidst some of Kitsap County’s most lovely areas, it is well worth every step to get down to the theater (which is about a 10-minute walk down a winding forest trail). This weekend begins their second production for the season and it is “High Button Shoes”; a lively musical from the “Model T era” and made for the entire family.

The musicals are produced by the Mountaineer Players, and it is not uncommon for there to be multiple generations from a family performing at the same time, some of whom have been involved since the 1950s. For you, this might be the beginning of a great family tradition, either as a participant (you can see their Web site for when auditions are) or as an observer. This will be our family’s first time going. I can only imagine the kids will not soon forget the play in the woods. And, I’ll venture to guess neither will the Kentucky grandparents who will be visiting here they just don’t grow trees like this back home in Kentucky!

Cost: Adults: $14 in advance or $16 at the door. Youth: $8 in advance/$10 at the door (children younger than 6 free with an adult).

More information: They suggest wearing comfortable shoes for the 10-minute walk down to the theater. Refreshments are available before the show and during intermission. Seating is festival-style on “terraced earth seats” — however, they rent cushions or you can bring your own “stadium-style” chair. And yes, the show goes on, come rain or come shine. For details, go online to www.ForestTheater.com.

Driving Directions: From Highway 3 (from Silverdale) take the Chico Way exit and turn right onto Chico way, after a half-mile, turn right on Northlake Way. Continue 0.3 mile, turn right at the Triangle Automotive shop. Bear right at the stop sign onto Seabeck Highway. After crossing the railroad tracks, go 0.7 mile and you will see their sign.

Next Week: Harborside Park

Cindy Lester and Christina Rude are co-authors of the third edition of “Great Adventures for Kitsap Peninsula,” available at your local book store or www.kitsapadventures.com. Do you have ideas for Kitsap Adventures? E-mail your comments or ideas to: kitsapadventures@yahoo.com.